Starting the Transition Decade

As I mentioned in the post titled “Transition Decade 2010-2019“, this next 10 years will be one of rapid change, bad change if we choose the wrong path and proceed on with business as usual behaviours and bury our heads deeper into the sand, or a fantastic transformation of our society if we choose to get back in tune with our home, Mother Earth.

To learn a bit more about the changes necessary for the good type of change, my sister and I went along to the Transition Decade Launch (www.t10.net.au) held at Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday. It promised to be an action packed programme of enlightening speakers who could assist in articulating the events and actions required in the next decade to lower GHG emissions to a safe level, lower consumption and tackle the effects of a growing population, whilst all along transforming our economy from growth at all costs to a sustainable one. If the crowd gathered in the massive auditorium was anything to go by, expectations were high.

They certainly delivered the goods. Even this middle aged neo-hippy zombie was moved and educated by what the speakers had to say. Of particular interest to me were the words spoken by Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne (Tas). She openly stated that the two major political parties in this country and the US, UK and Canada were so alike in their policies and were hell bent on an economy based on unlimited growth. For unlimited growth to be a reality, you need unlimited resources, however, our Earth has hard limits which we are quickly reaching. Ever dwindling resources poses a major problem, not only for the way these politicians act and think, but for all of us on Mother Earth. Even though this was not new information for me, it was very encouraging to hear this from an Australian Senator. Normally they are full of hot air like most politicians. After her oration the crowd burst into rapturous applause. The truth has never been told so well. I was also impressed that she only mentioned her own party by name once at the end, and that she portrayed an air of deep belief in the message she had just delivered. I wish I had have taken my camcorder as Senator Milne was truly inspirational. I believe that my sister now has a new idol!

The other speaker that got my undivided attention was Cam Walker, the National Liaison Officer for the Friends of Earth Australia. He talked about our society and its unrelenting drive towards conspicuous consumption and consumerism, and that happiness is found within and not in the form of the latest gimmick or thing. We only require a certain amount of material possessions to make us happy like food, water, adequate shelter, clothing and love to name a few. Once at a certain level, accumulation of more stuff leads to unhappiness and cognitive dissonance in the form of ‘must keep up with the jones’, but hate the credit card debt’. He also delivered a message that I was familiar with, but needed to hear it from someone else to confirm that I wasn’t going crazy! All of the other speakers were great as well, it was just that I had heard their messages before.

It went for three hours, but it certainly did not feel like it. The comic relief in the form of the T10 airways crew was hilarious and we all had to fasten our sense of humour for the duration. This act was seriously funny and livened up the proceedings. Transition can be a dry subject, but not when the T10 airways are around.

We left at about 3pm, and headed towards Fed Square when I had parked the car and showed Sis where the Sustainable Living Festival was going to be this weekend. She was suitably impressed, but abnormally quite. On the way home, I knew that all the new information she had just received was being deeply processed, so I slipped on the Pulse album by Pink Floyd as thinking music, and let her think things through. I was there for her if she needed clarification on anything. We arrived home, and Sis was still in deep thought and tried to convey what she had learnt to Kim. Kim is a good listener and although she has already had her green epiphany via listening to me, she helped Sis through the process of enlightenment and understanding. I sat in the background waiting for the call which did not come. We are all looking for this weekends activities at the SLF! For another perspective of the launch from my sisters point of view, have a look at her post, “It’s Happening Part 2“.

I have included a short video that was played at the launch, so that you can understand what the event was about. Enjoy and have a great, green week!

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About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

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About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

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Podcast Reviews

Always inspiring and entertaining!

August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

ms

July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do.
Thanks Gavin, love it!!

Well worth your time to tune in

October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast !
I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to.
Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

very good

June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

opened my eyes

May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

A wonderful show!

Inspiring

April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

Green Living, inspiring and practical

January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

Local food equals less waste

December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

Honestly australian

December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

Morning motivation

December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

Passionate Advocate

October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

Gavin speaks from the heart

October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

Green thoughts, so well iterated

October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

Easy listening inspiration on being green

September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

Thanks Gavin!

August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm

August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

Green Podcasts

July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

Practical ideas and inspiration

July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

Interesting & easy to listen to

April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

Great green listen

April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese